Your needs, this model
Does it fit your priorities?
Can the included tn print ordinary Legal documents from an Ethernet computer with 850 sheets and PIN release?
Qualifies with earlier references enabled. Its exact package includes all three ordinary Legal-capable inputs and 64 MB for the compatible driver’s four-digit Private Job routine.
Explore this need in the finder →Can that 850-sheet paper supply turn Letter pages automatically?
Fails automatic duplex. The tn requires attended second-side batches through Tray 1; the dtn is a different hardware configuration.
Explore this need in the finder →Does the tn’s network server provide Wi-Fi printing?
Fails included Wi-Fi. The embedded server is wired 10/100Base-TX, and wireless servers are optional.
Explore this need in the finder →Extra paper capacity is the tn package’s practical benefit
The HP LaserJet 2430tn suits a prepared wired office that needs an included 850-sheet ordinary-paper arrangement for monochrome documents. It combines the front and lower inputs with a supplied 500-sheet third tray and embedded Ethernet. Its deciding restriction is two-sided handling: the tn has manual duplex, so extra paper does not produce unattended page turning.
HP's exact US product page identifies Q5961A#ABA and marks the printer discontinued. The original US ordering and comparison tables independently identify the tn with its additional tray, network server and 64 MB memory. This assessment covers that documented low-voltage earlier configuration, without assuming a present offer, machine condition or working modern driver.
Use the supplied three-tray arrangement deliberately
The normal capacity is 100 sheets in Tray 1, 250 in Tray 2 and 500 in Tray 3, giving 850 ordinary 20-lb/75-g/m² sheets. Letter, Legal and A4 are positively supported by the ordinary-paper tables and loading sections. Here the third tray is included, rather than a maximum reached by buying an accessory.
Configure the actual source, size and type in the compatible driver and printer. Set each lower tray's length and width guides to the paper loaded, keep the stack flat and below its marked limits, and avoid combining a larger headline capacity with an unconfirmed specialty medium. The 500-sheet input supports ordinary paper; envelopes and other special media belong in the front path.
For Tray 2, press down to lock its metal paper-lift plate before reinserting the tray. Tray 3 uses its own guide and height-hook instructions. Extend the front paper support for longer sheets and adjust guides so they touch without bending paper. Having three inputs is useful only when their settings match their contents.
Connect the network printer through a compatible computer driver
The included JetDirect server is 10/100Base-TX Ethernet. In the original installation, print a configuration page and locate the IP address on its second page before setting up the computer. A suitable network and actually compatible driver are required; the presence of an Ethernet socket alone is not a current software-support promise.
Hi-Speed USB 2.0 and IEEE 1284B parallel are also included for direct computer printing. The period Windows procedure installs software before the selected direct cable, excludes Windows NT 4.0 from USB and warns against attaching USB and parallel simultaneously. Historic PCL, PostScript and operating-system support still needs checking against the actual computer.
Wireless and Gigabit JetDirect servers are optional. The standard tn is not assigned Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Direct, AirPrint or Mopria. Generic shop copy suggesting wireless scanning is not used to override the original print-only model table.
Large two-sided jobs still need front-tray reloading
The tn uses driver-assisted manual duplex. Select Print on Both Sides in the compatible driver's Finishing controls, allow first sides to print and remove blank paper from Tray 1. Reload the printed stack there blank side up with the top edge first, then press Select if prompted by the panel.
All second sides use Tray 1. A job longer than its capacity needs repeated batches, and the printer waits for reinsertion. The 850-sheet input figure therefore does not describe an unattended 850-sheet duplex routine. If automatic turning is essential, the separately documented dtn configuration has a material hardware difference.
For a supported envelope job, put up to ten face up in Tray 1 with stamp end first, or short-edge flap first when present. Open and fully extend the rear output, choose the real envelope settings and never print both sides. Ordinary one-sided letterhead uses front face up/top toward printer or lower face down/top toward user; alternative-letterhead and two-sided settings change that orientation.
Release supported private jobs with the panel PIN
The tn's standard 64 MB meets the original 48-MB job-storage minimum. In a compatible computer driver, select Private Job and enter a four-digit PIN. Use the printer's Retrieve Job menu to choose the user and job, select Print and enter the PIN at the panel.
Give jobs distinct names: default-name duplication can replace a prior job. Private jobs normally delete after release, and power-off deletes stored jobs. This routine is not permanent storage or a network-encryption claim. The original direct-PDF feature separately needs at least 128 MB, exceeding the included memory.
Allow for the taller body and honest workload limits
The declared one-sided rate is up to 35 Letter pages per minute, separately 33 A4, with 100,000 pages maximum monthly duty. No test result or routine monthly recommendation is inferred; the recommended range remains unknown. This printer has no scanner, flatbed, document feeder, copier or fax.
The included-tray body is 16.7 inches wide, 15.7 deep and 15.7 high. The guide specifies 46 pounds without the cartridge, distinct from the brochure's 48.5-pound figure. Allow loading, output and cartridge access beyond the closed body, and check the actual 110–127-V, 50/60-Hz rating plate. Replacement cartridge yields do not establish installed toner remainder or current printing cost.
Key details at a glance
| Color printing | No |
|---|---|
| Scanner | No |
| Copying | No |
| Fax | No |
| Flatbed scanner | No |
| Automatic document feeder | No |
| Automatic two-sided printing | No |
| Automatic two-sided scanning | No |
| Single-pass two-sided scanning | No |
| Color scanning | No |
| Instructed envelope handling | Yes |
| Supported PIN-release printing | Yes |
| Maximum monthly duty | 100000 pages |
| Included ordinary-paper capacity | 850 sheets |
| Declared one-sided mono Letter rate | 35 pages/min |
| Unit-body width | 16.7 in |
| Unit-body depth | 15.7 in |
| Unit-body height | 15.7 in |
| Unit weight | 46 lb |
| Imaging engine | laser |
Use the exact model’s instructions for operating limits, supplied equipment and version differences.
Paper, software and setup details
Print-rate conditions
Exact 2430tn scope declares up to 35 one-sided Letter ppm, separately 33 A4; no measured or duplex speed asserted. US original maximum monthly duty 100,000 pages is not a recommended monthly range, which remains unconfirmed.
Paper handling
Exact 2430tn includes normal 100-sheet front, 250-sheet lower and 500-sheet third inputs, total 850 ordinary 20-lb/75-g/m² Letter/Legal/A4 sheets. Actual guide loading sections and US exact column establish included third tray; broad optional-upgrade prose does not remove it. Match each tray size/type/source and guide/stack limits; lock Tray 2 lift plate before reinsertion. Manual duplex uses driver Print on Both Sides then Tray 1 blank side up/top first and Select if prompted; second-side batches never borrow 850-sheet unattended capacity. Up to ten envelopes use front face up/stamp first, short-edge flap first when present, rear output open/extended. No automatic or envelope duplex.
Scanning arrangement
Actual original hardware is a monochrome print-only printer. No scanner, flatbed, automatic document feeder, copier or fax is included. Printer-management e-mail alerts and third-party forms software do not add document capture or a telephone fax modem.
Computer and mobile connections
Exact tn includes embedded JetDirect 10/100Base-TX Ethernet, Hi-Speed USB 2.0 and IEEE 1284B parallel. Compatible network driver uses actual configuration-page IP address; direct USB needs correct cable/driver, NT 4.0 USB excluded and simultaneous USB/parallel prohibited. Historic platform lists do not guarantee current compatibility. Wireless/Gigabit servers optional; included Ethernet is not Wi-Fi or Wi-Fi Direct. AirPrint and Mopria remain unconfirmed.
Supplies and declared yields
Exact US original lists Q6511A at 6,000 and Q6511X at 12,000 standard pages with ISO/IEC 19752 footnote. Earlier 2004 guide describes the same counts at historical 5% text coverage; those are different source declarations, not an invented new test. An original cartridge-in-box listing does not establish the installed cartridge remainder or present included full yield. No current price or cost per page is calculated.
Software and support
Exact 2430tn includes 64 MB, meeting guide 48-MB job-storage prerequisite. Compatible driver Private Job assigns a four-digit PIN, then panel Retrieve Job selects user/job/Print and accepts PIN. Distinct job names avoid replacement, power-off deletes held jobs and private jobs normally delete after release. No permanent archiving or encryption inferred. Direct PDF 1.3 requires at least 128 MB, above standard memory. Actual compatible PCL/PostScript driver and attended manual duplex controls still required.
Electrical edition and setup
Exact US Q5961A#ABA identity with original 110–127-V, 50/60-Hz edition, separate from 220–240 V. Check actual plate and do not convert voltage. Included-three-tray closed body is 16.7 W × 15.7 D × 15.7 H inches. Guide weight 46 lb explicitly excludes cartridge; brochure 48.5 lb has different basis. Fully open doors/trays need up to 26.6 W × 28.7 D inches, plus access and ventilation; smaller n body and shipping measurements excluded.
Sources for this assessment
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